THURSDAY – St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist; International Day of Peace As we feed on the Word of Life, may we in turn be God’s word for others, especially those at Felician University, Villa Maria College and Madonna University For all in initial formation and their directors, through the intercession of St. Matthew, they may…
September 17th Stigmata of St. Francis
THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST APPEARS TO FRANCIS On two separate, dramatic occasions, Francis had a vision of Jesus, wounded in hands, feet and side, suffering on a cross. If we look carefully at the two visions we will see them as closely interrelated. Both visions are described in Saint Bonaventure’s Life of St. Francis. It’s helpful…
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Story of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. She razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son built the…
Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Story of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary This feast is a counterpart to the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus; both have the possibility of uniting people easily divided on other matters. The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671…
Maryville Retreat Center Holly, MI
Maryville Retreat Center Holly, MI Infused with Franciscan spirituality, Maryville Retreat Center offers a peaceful, comfortable, pastoral setting, with a variety of programming to enrich and inspire. Overlooking beautiful Lake Elliott, Maryville’s 240-acre campus has space for conferences, company workshops and private retreats. The retreat center has a variety of large and small meeting rooms,…
The 156th Anniversary of Approval of the Felician Congregation
The 157th Anniversary of Approval of the Felician Congregation As we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lady let us pray for all expectant mothers and the infants they carry, as well as for those women who are unable to bear children. As Joachim and Ann rejoiced in the birth of their daughter Mary, may parents…